Section
Breadcrumbs
Homeless Health Infectious Disease Program (HHID)
The Homeless Health Infectious Disease (HHID) program aims to reduce the negative health impacts for people experiencing homelessness (PEH) by building the capacity of local homeless service agencies, bridging the gap between local health entities, and engaging other community stakeholders to prepare for and respond to infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and amplified the health disparities and weaknesses within our public health system that inequitably impact marginalized and underserved populations in the United States. PEH face disproportionate rates of underlying chronic health conditions and substance use disorders, stigma, and marginalization that often disenfranchise them from health and social services. Insecure social living conditions can lead to a heightened risk of infection and adverse outcomes of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Through the HHID program, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is partnering with homeless service agencies and other congregate living settings regionally to create initiatives to reduce the negative health impacts associated with the chronic conditions and transmission of infectious diseases among unhoused populations.
The HHID Program develops guidance for homeless service agencies across the Indiana Balance of State (BOS) in the following two formats.
Infectious Disease Guidance
These documents contain disease specific–transmission control guidance to aid in the mitigation of infectious disease transmission within a congregate living setting. Partners are encouraged to adopt all feasible measures from the guidance to protect agency residents and staff.
This guidance was current at the time it was posted but may no longer represent the most current information on the topic. Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov for the most up-to-date information.
Gastrointestinal Illness Guidelines - Congregate Living
Tuberculosis Guidance - Congregate Living
Respiratory Illness Guidance - Congregate Living
Respiratory Illness Guidance - Congregate Living Webinar
COVID-19 Guidance - Congregate Living
COVID-19 Guidance - Congregate Living Webinar
Quick Guides
The quick guides are short 1-to-2-page informational guidance sheets covering a specific topic or health risk.
Understanding and Responding to Heat-Related Illness - Individuals
Understanding and Responding to Heat-Related Illness - Providers
Recognizing Hypothermia and Frostbite
Staying Safe During Respiratory Season
Contact
The HHID Program can be reached at HHID@ihcda.in.gov for all questions, concerns, or partner inquiries.